Yediot Aharonot says that „the veteran tricksters,”
Summary of Editorials from the Hebrew Press
Yediot Aharonot says that „the veteran tricksters,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, „have become Siamese twins that were joined together when the current Government was born,” and adds that „They know that most of the public expects them to follow in the footsteps of Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon, the unrealized heroes of the previous two decades.” The author suggests that „If it becomes clear that the Bar-Ilan speech and the construction freeze are a gimmick, it will be one trick too many for them. The attempt to bait several marginal Kadima MKs shows that they haven’t learned a thing. However, if they move forward in the diplomatic process, all of Kadima will march with them toward the dawn of a new decade.”
Ma’ariv discusses yesterday’s High Court of Justice decision ordering the authorities to reopen a stretch of Highway #443 to Palestinian traffic within five months. The author reminds his readers that six Israelis were murdered on the road between the autumn 2000 outbreak of the second intifada and the 2002 decision to close the road to Palestinian vehicles and notes that the closure „prevented a continuation of the bloodbath.” However, the paper points out that the closure „caused severe damage to Israel,” and believes that „The High Court had no alternative.” The author notes that there have been deadly terrorist attacks and incidents on other major roads, which remain open to Arab vehicles, and avers that „If somebody wants to perpetrate an attack, he has enough targets without needing Highway #443.” The paper declares: „There are enough good reasons to criticize the High Court judges for slanted decisions, with a strong left-wing aroma,” but adds, „This decision, in the circumstances that have been created, is not one of them.”
Yisrael Hayom analyzes the latest wave of unrest in Iran and asserts that „While the demonstrations are the most serious since June, the chance that they will bring about a regime change now is not high,” because „In the meantime, the regime has the means to block the riots.” However, the author believes that as the opposition becomes better organized and led, maintains determined large-scale support, „and cracks appear in the security forces’ loyalty to the regime,” the change will come.
The Jerusalem Post discusses the stagnation in the peace talks with the PA, and commends the US administration’s efforts to bring the Palestinians back to the negotiating table. The editor remarks that „The administration’s Iran policy is the peacemaking lynchpin. The quicker the mullahs are defanged, and Hamas and Hizbullah deflated, the sooner moderate Arab elements may be willing to take chances for peace.” In this context, the editor applauds President Obama for speaking out personally on Monday in support of the Iranian people protesting against the Khomeinist regime.
Haaretz declares that „Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to bring the Kadima party, ‘or part of it,’ into the governing coalition has ended in embarrassing failure.” The editor states that „Livni was right in refusing to accept a cabinet position devoid of content after Netanyahu refused to hold even the most basic discussion of policy with her,” and adds that „If Netanyahu wants people to believe him, he has to convince them that he is committed to advancing the peace process, with no tricks and no gestures aimed at compensating the settlers. Only after he proposes a new path and demonstrates willingness to confront the right over it will it make sense to shore up the coalition from the left.”
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